Wendy McKamey

After 85 days, introducing more than 1,000 bills and passing a two-year state budget, the Montana Legislature has adjourned its 69th session. Montana Public Radio’s Shaylee Ragar joined Elinor Smith to talk through the political dynamics and policy debates.

Discord between Republicans in the Montana Senate has delayed the chamber’s business in the early days of the 69th Legislature.

Republicans on a special legislative committee will require people who testify to sign an oath to tell the truth. The committee will also start ordering elected officials to appear before it with subpoenas. Such rules aren’t used by any other legislative committee.

State lawmakers have thrown their support behind a proposed constitutional amendment that could appear on the 2024 ballot. It would require candidates for statewide and federal office to earn more than 50% of the vote to win.

Legislation limiting who can handle absentee ballots during election season cleared the Montana Legislature Tuesday largely along party lines.

A bill moving through the Montana Legislature that would restrict health care options for transgender youth was narrowly rejected by the House after a…